Observer

Rico

The key word in this study is poor. The fatal flaw in this research is that it compares poor communities to more affluent communities. You cannot attribute violence in poor communities to liquor stores no more than you can directly link success in an 'affluent' neighborhood to having a Starbucks located on every corner. The city can close down every liquor store and I'll guarantee that there will still be violence in 'poor' communities.
I'm not arguing that alcohol doesn't alter a person’s decision making but we can’t ignore major issues that contribute to the demise of millions of kids and families in these impoverished communities. Poverty by definition means to lack material possessions, money or to be destitute. We have to address issues like education, lack of ownership, gun control and the lack of options for those living in poverty. The fight should not be against liquor stores, the fight should be against poverty. When we cure the disease of poverty then we'll see the crime in these neighborhoods decrease.
Unfortunately, this problem will not be solved by putting a Whole Foods or Starbucks on every corner, although, this is important to providing jobs. It has to begin with economic leadership and empowerment. When you know better – you do better. #nomoreredlining

Dick Beninya

The late great Mike Royko said it decades ago, if you have 2 martinis with dinner every night it’s called gracious living, if you reach for a bottle under the kitchen sink every night you have alcohol problem!